MnSTA Spring 2014 Newsletter

MnSTA

Newsletter Volume 50 No. 3 A Quarterly Publication of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association Inc.

MnCOSE Goes On In Spite Of Winter Storm

This is a year to remember for our extreme winter. Mother Nature was particularly harsh on the days of MNCOSE. Extreme temperatures, icy roads and blizzard conditions kept many people from attending.

However, those who did attend had a great experience and were flexible with the changes made throughout the conference. One of the highlights of the conference were our keynote speaker: Dr. Ramsey Musallam. Ramsey’s talk on “Curiosity as a Pedagogical Tool” sparked everyone’s “curiosity” of how to incorporate this tool to their classrooms.

On Friday, each strand speaker shared expertise in his or her field. Dr. Tom Brown discussed the foundations of modern Ed Psych in a Physics class.

Dr. Matt Morgan discussed “what to do if your flipped classroom flops in Chemistry. Kathleen O’Donnell inspired the elementary audience with resources from the PBS Learning Media. Dr. Chris Pannell gave updated information on cancer to the biology audience and Dr. Bryce Hoppe shared his participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programs Expedition 320 in 2010.

According to participant comments, Friday’s sessions gave them “too many choices” Some themes surfaced from number of presentations; flipping in the classroom, teaching the nature of science, STEM and engineering are just a few.

Saturday was another busy day. Teachers chose between three hour workshops on Citizen Science (six projects that focused on butterflies, bees, birds, srams, dragonflies and phenology), Reading in Sci-

Spring 2014

ence (which met the state require for reading preparation, and Ramsey Musallam (Friday’s keynote speaker) presented a workshop on Using Technology to Fuel Inquiry for Students. So everyone went away with lots of ideas to use in their classroom.

AirSpace Minnesota chose our conference to launch their new program “Go Boldy Challenge”.

This challenge will recognize Minnesotans of all ages who have achieved something extraordinary related to aviation or aerospace. Application deadline was March 26, 2014. Finalists in several categories will be honored at the Go Boldly Expo on April 26th, 2014 at the Downtown St. Paul Airport and receive a $100 National Camera Exchange gift card.

Thanks to everyone for making MNCOSE a success; committee members, speakers, exhibitors, and participants. We are looking forward to next year in MnCOSE....................continued from page 1 MnCOSE............continued on page 3

State Science Specialist John Olson presented the SecondaryTeacher of the Year Award to Corina Sarsland at MnCOSE.The Elementary awardee was Cara Riekenberg. See page 11 for more photos and biographies of the award winners.

President’s Address by Steve Walvig While I am looking forward to the sunnier days of spring, I can’t help but look back on this year’s Minnesota Conference On Science Education (MnCOSE) with a sense of pride and a little bit of regret. The 2014 MnCOSE was going to be one of our best science conferences yet, but with the last minute winter storm and the incredibly poor driving conditions, many of us were stuck at home and couldn’t attend. The people who arrived early and the brave souls who made it through the treacherous weather had the opportunity to attend much of the conference as planned, but even with the extra ordinary work of MnSTA board members and especially the conference planning committee to keep everything on track, the conference just wasn’t what we planned. For that and other reasons, we decided to offer a choice to everyone who registered for the conference to have a $100 discount to next year’s conference or an extended membership. Looking at the results, I’m proud to say that most people choose the discount to next year’s conference, so we’ll all have the chance to make next year’s MnCOSE the best conference yet. Next year will also be MnSTA’s 50th anniversary, so we plan to make the 2015 Minnesota Conference on Science Education (MnCOSE) the best conference so far and I’m thrilled so many people are already planning to attend.

Of course, the 2014 Minnesota Conference On Science Education wouldn’t have been possible-

Presidents message....continued on page 3

Department of Conservation by Ed Hessler Flight of the Humble Bumblebee

To make a prairie it takes a clover and a bee;-…—Emily Dickinson In the Origin of Species (Chapter 3: Struggle for

Existence), Darwin wrote that “Humble bees alone visit red clover, as other bees cannot reach the nectar.

It has been suggested that moths may fertilise the clovers; but I doubt whether they could do so in the case of the red clover, from their weight not being sufficient to depress the wing petals.

“Hence we may infer as highly probable that, if the whole genus of humble-bees became extinct or very rare in England, the heartsease and red clover would become very rare, or wholly disappear. The number of humble-bees in any district depends in a great measure upon the number of field-mice, which destroy their combs and nests; and Colonel Newman, who has along attended the habits of humble-bees, believes that ‘more than two-thirds of them are thus destroyed all over England’.

“Now the number of mice is largely dependent, as every one knows, on the number of cats; and Colonel Newman says, ‘Near villages and small towns I have found the nests of humble-bees more numerous than elsewhere, which I attribute to the number of cats that destroy the mice.’ Hence it is quite credible that the presence of a feline animal in large numbers in a district might determine, through the intervention first of mice and then of bees, the frequency of certain flowers in that district!”

“Emerging infectious diseases” (EIDs) are described by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as infectious diseases whose incidence in humans Department of Conservation...continuted on page 4

The MnSTA Newsletter is published four times each year by the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, Inc. Articles, opinions, book reviews and other information pertinent to Minnesota teachers are welcome. Please limit submission to 1 typed page, e-mail preferred (text file please).

Deadlines for submission of articles are: Fall ............... August 1st Winter ............. November 1st Spring ........... February 1st Summer....................April 1st Send all correspondence regarding the newsletter to: Jerry Wenzel 22002 100th Ave Randall, MN 56475 e-mail: jerrywenzel@brainerd.net The MnSTA Newsletter is an exempt program service provided to the membership. A membership form is found on the back page.

Materials found in the newsletter may be reprinted without charge.

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MnSTA, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) (3) Charitable Educational Corpora-tion, incorporated as a tax exempt, non-profit organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Donations and dues are tax deductible charitable contributions for itemized deductions on IRS form 1040 Schedule A. The newsletter is an exempt program service provided to the membership. A membership form is found on the last page.

MnSTA Newsletter

In Medias Res by Edward Hessler On the Nature of Things

tum fields!).

In an interview with 3:AM Magazine (with its Th-th-th-that’s all folks!—Porky Pig In October, 2012, “Moving Naturalism Forward,” sassy byline: “Whatever it is, we’re against it”), a workshop convened by CalTech cosmologist, Sean Carroll observed, “the world is what it is, and it does what it does, and we’re trying to figure out what Carroll, was held in western Massachusetts.

Naturalism stripped down to its essence is that the those things are.”

Modern science began in the sixteenth to natural world obeys natural laws and is all there is. eighteenth centuries and includes a cast of Or, to add a bit more flesh: players both of the stuff of legend and the lesser known. One of the latter is John Wilkins, 1. There is a single reality, the natural world warden of Wadham College in Oxford, one of the (only the natural world exists). new natural/experimental philosophers (as scientists 2. The natural world obeys rules. were called then). He was, according to a colleague, “much for the Trying of Experiments,” or what Rob3. We can learn something about the rules ert Boyle would later describe, “the interrogation of through the practice of science. nature.”

The ideas discussed in this workshop are impor Physicalism—that the natural world and the tant and scientists are gradually moving us to narrowphysical world are the same—is a stronger version. er and evidence-based answers to such big questions.

Before the workshop, Carroll noted that living in Richard Feynman’s first principle is one of the finest such a universe presents a daunting list of challenges of injunctions: “…you must not fool yourself and because “the naturalist worldview comes into conflict you are the easiest person to fool.” with our ‘folk’ understanding of life”. In the end, Sources: Dr. Sean Carroll, Carroll’s blogs, 3:AM some of our ideas will be saved but others will end Magazine and various meeting notes from “Moving up in the cosmic dustbin.

Naturalism Forward.”

Issues for discussion included free will, morality, meaning, purpose, epistemology, emergence, Presidents message.........continued from page 2 consciousness, evolution and determinism. A few at all without the tireless work of MnSTA’s wonderexamples: 1) If humans are collections of particles which follow the laws of physics, is it sensible to say ful conference planning committee who volunteered that we make choices? 2) What is the origin of right/ many long hours to make the conference possible.

Thank you, Jean Tushie, Eric Koser, Joe Reymann, wrong? 3) Is science unique for finding true knowlHolly Knudson, Kari Dombrovski, Nicole Christofedge? ferson-Weston, Phil Sinner, Ed Hessler, and Robert The group was small (16 invited, 13 attended) and Shoemaker. represented several disciplines (philosophy, neurosci Thank you all for your dedication to science eduence, evolutionary biology, anthropology, complex systems, literature, physics and economics). In many cation, your valuable feedback, and for being memways, the purpose of the workshop was about what it bers of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association.

I hope to see you at next year’s Minnesota Confermeans to be a human in a natural world. ence On Science Education on February 20-21, 2015.

One way to think about these issues is to reason Mankato again on February 20-21, 2015. Let’s hope about them but reasoning has genuine limits. And here science steps in with its commitment to empiri- that Mother Nature will be much kinder in 2015! cal data gathering. Such questions can be explored If you could not make it to the conference please (experiments can be designed) and confronted with know that we have ten videos presentations available data, which Carroll points out “is the best cure for on our website right now from MnCOSE14! Check sloppy thinking.” them out here: bit.ly/MnCOSE14video. The videos include the keynote speakers, Saturday workshops as As you’d guess, none of the questions was anwell as the Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physswered or was there even agreement on some basic definitions but the discussions were lively. (Maybe it ics, and Elementary strand speakers.

IS only bosons and fermions or perhaps only quanJean Tushie. Tushie is the MnSTA Conference Coordinator

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Department of Education Science MCA Immediate Score Reporting

New this year to the 2014 MCA Science assessments is the availability of immediate score reporting through AIR’s Online Reporting System (ORS). By logging into ORS, teachers can see individual student scale scores and strand level scale scores for the asJohn Olson is the science specialist for the Department sessment their students of Education. He will keep just finished. These us updated on science educa- scores are considered tion in the MnSTA newsletter. preliminary because they have not been through a process of post-test editing done by the district that may impact the data.

While the individual student scores will not change, posttest editing may result in some scores being invalidated based on testing irregularities. This could cause a change in the school summary data.

In order to fully utilize this functionality at a teacher level, some work must be done by your District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) to assign students to each teacher in class rosters. This is an extra step that is not necessary for students to take the assessments and so needs to be done specifically for the purpose of taking advantage of immediate score reporting.

Districts and schools can use this preliminary data for instructional and planning purposes, but it does not provide final accountability and should not be shared with the general public or media. Contact your DAC for more information about this data and to see if there are local policies for using this system and data.

Safety Alert: Stop Using the Rainbow Demonstration

The American Chemical Society Committee on Chemical Safety recommends that the “rainbow demonstration,” be discontinued immediately. This demonstration involves having salts dissolved in a solvent, which is then ignited to produce colored flames. It is often performed on an open demonstration table using flammable solvents such as methanol.

This demonstration presents an unacceptable risk of flash fires and has caused serious injuries to students

and teachers.

On an open table, flammable vapors can flow across the table and onto the floor, where they can be ignited by a flame, a spark (e.g. static electricity) or a hot surface. This can even happen in a hood. There are safer alternative demonstrations that produce the same colors. One alternative is to soak wooden splints in a water solution of the salts and then burn them with a Bunsen burner. This should be performed with eye protection and or safety shield and fire protection ready. Other alternatives are listed at www.acs.org/safety.

A more detailed report can be found on page 11 Department of Conservation...continuted from page 2

have increased in the past 2 decades or threaten to increase in the near future. EIDs affect more than vertebrates. In a new study in Nature (“Disease associations between honeybees and bumblebees as a threat to wild pollinators” February 20, 2014), M. A. Furst et. al., report on a study of interspecies pathogen transmission between honeybees and bumblebees in the United Kingdom (UK).

Deformed wing virus (DWV) and the fungal parasite Nosema ceranae are transmissible to bumblebees from honeybees. The team also conducted a survey of bumblebee populations throughout the UK, finding evidence of both diseases but at lower levels than in honeybees. When honeybees were close by, infected populations of bumblebees were found more frequently.

Honeybee colonies worldwide suffer from a devastating and complex syndrome collectively known as colony collapse disorder (CCD) which is a threat to several food crops dependent on honeybee pollination. These new findings only add to the concern. Now, other plant species may be threatened, new transmission routes may be opening (although it is likely that the main route is honeybees to bumblebees), and potentially new reservoirs of these diseases are being created.

New links have been added to Darwin’s speculative chain of events in old fields in England.

Infection control will not be easy.

Finally, how did the humblebee become the bumblebee? In a story in The Guardian (August 1, 2010), Richard Jones notes that it was gradual, occurring in the beginning of the 1900s. It seems likely that a character, the humblebee known as Babbity Bumble in Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse (1910) played at least a small part.

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MnSTA Newsletter

Department of Education

Publication No. 11176

Introduction to GHS – Pictograms

Acutely toxic

Oxidizer

Gas under pressure

Burns skin Damages eyes Corrosive to metals

Explosive Self-reactive Organic peroxide

Acutely toxic (harmful), Irritant to skin, eyes or respiratory tract, Skin sensitizer

Carcinogen, Mutagen, Reproductive toxin, Respiratory sensitizer, Toxic to target organs, Toxic if aspirated

Toxic to aquatic life (optional)

Flammable, Self-reactive, Pyrophoric, Self-heating, Emits flammable gas, Organic peroxide

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Teacher Feature

Our featured teacher for this newsletter issue is Kim Hoehne. Kim is in her 18th year at Minnetonka High School where she teaches physics. She received both her undergraduate and Masters degree from Bethel University and wrote her Master’s thesis on physics education research, technology and interactive teaching strategies. She became a national Board Certified Teacher in 2010 with a focus on physics.

Kim originally started out as a physics major at Bethel, but after the first semester decided to add on the teaching major. She had done a lot of coaching and knew she really enjoyed working with students and thought what better job than to combine her love and passion for physics with the same love and passion of working with students and being able to help students grow in their skills, knowledge, and character while also being a positive role model for them. She states, “I think I have the best job! I get to do physics, work with students and technology everyday in the classroom. I have a lot of fun everyday and I believe my students do too, but we also work really hard and have high expectations of ourselves.”

Kim states that she is a facilitator/coach in her classroom and loves to set up learning activities that engage students. Sometimes she will front load lessons with a reading assignment, an internet reading, or a flipped video she has created to introduce some of the lower level blooms material. She wants students to come in and “do” science and engage in conversations with their classmates to learn and apply the material to a deeper level in class. She likes for students to first engage in a inquiry experience or create curiosity in them. She likes to hook them or give them an experience that they can base their learning on as they move forward. Her classroom is one of teamwork, where they learn from one another and mistakes are not mistakes, but rather learning opportunities. She encourages her students to take risks in their learning experiences and to not be afraid to make mistakes. One of her classroom mottos is “Relationships Matter.” In physics her class does a lot of finding mathematical relationships to model the real world, but they also utilized the relationships in class to help each other find success and have fun in the process. She is a big believer in leading her students to their understanding instead of telling them what the answer is or how to do something. She also encourages dialogue between the students.

Kim’s favorite activity is where her students are hired by Wile E Coyote to help them capture the road runner. They need to roll a boulder (ball) off a

bridge so that it will hit a dune buggy driven by the road runner that is driving out from under the bridge. They are given some equipment, but they then need to determine the way in which they will execute a plan utilizing motion and projectile motion concepts. This is done as a class and she also video tapes them for feedback and recording quotes. They debrief afterwards not only about the success of their plan, but also about the process of working together. This helps her set up the classroom community and teamwork that she emphasizes and builds with her students. When it is the day to catch the roadrunner, there is much excitement. She states, “There is so much more than just physics happening during this experience!”

Kim has coached both high school and college basketball and track and is currently in her 18th year of coaching track and field at Minnetonka High School.

Principal, Jeff Erickson had this to say about Kim, “Kim is one of the most innovative, caring, student centered, and passionate teachers with whom I’ve worked. Her constant question is how can I improve my practices for her students.

In her classes, she engages her students in meaningful content and holds them to high expectations but does so with grace. Center to her work in the classrooms are the relationships she forms with students. She gets to know her students and meets them where they are at in the learning process. Students know that she is committed to their success and will use whatever she needs to help them learn. She is a leader in the building and is deeply respected by the staff and greater community. She is a learner and models that for her students.”

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MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities-Department of Education Note: MDE does not endorse any resource or event that is not conducted by MDE.

Minnesota Conference on Science Education – A winter weather challenge

Presenters stuck in their driveway, a keynoter for California who arrived several hours late, and a power outage at a hotel where several attendees stayed were just some of the challenges that faced organizers of the MnSTA conference.

An overnight ice storm and blizzard forced them to make many changes and accommodations. The keynotes for each of the strands and most of the Saturday workshop were streamed live on the MnSTA website and many are still available. The schedule was adjusted for presenters that were not able to attend. One session was presented via Skpe. The MnSTA Executive Committee made an unusual offer to registrants that were affected by the storm to grant a discount on the conference next year. An email with an explanation went out to those involved.

MnSTA Science Teacher Awards

The recipients of the Medtronic Science Teacher Award Presented by MnSTA for 2014 are: *Elementary: Cara Riekenberg, School of Engineering and Arts in Golden Valley * Secondary: Corina Sarsland, Rockford Middle School for Environmental Studies

A grant from Medtronic Foundation provides a fund of $1000 to each awardee for a project that benefits their students. To demonstrate their qualifications for the award, the applicants must provide a description of their teaching practice, a listing of their teaching experiences and professional activities, and a proposal for use of the funds. The judges for the award are members of the MnSTA board of directors.

ACT Releases New Study: The Condition of STEM 2013

The Condition of STEM 2013 reviews the ACT-t ested 2013 graduating class in the context of STEM-related fields. The report provides data on the measured and expressed interest levels of students in STEM majors and occupations while aligning the data with student aptitudes in math and science. Key findings from the report include:  Pi Day and Einstein’s Birthday March 14 – Celebrate!

- Interest in STEM is high. Almost half (48.3%) of students in the 2013 ACT-tested graduating class have an interest in STEM majors or occupations.

- More female than male students are interested in STEM, although the opposite is true among higherachieving students. The overall percent of females interested in STEM majors and occupations is a surprising 46% - The academic achievement gap that exists in general for ethnically diverse students is even more pronounced among those interested in the STEM fields.

With the exception of Asian students, the number of ethnic minority interested in STEM fields is low, as are their achievement levels in math and science.

- Students interested in STEM have higher educational aspirations, and their parents are more likely to have attended college than those not interested in STEM. From NSTA’s Science Matters

Events and Workshops

The Outdoor Classroom: Team Teaching with Mother Nature. Learn why taking student’s

outdoors can increase enthusiasm and test scores.

Experience strategies for successful outdoor instruction in this 4 hour hands-on session with a focus on observation and journaling as multi-disciplinary teaching tools. Survey the school site for educational potential, examine classroom curricula and MDE standards to find opportunism for outdoor learning and develop confidence to take it outside!

Thursday April 10, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter Information and registration: Michelle Koomen, mkoomen@gac.edu deadline April 2

Saturday April 12, Kasson MN Information and registration: Sharie Furst, s.furst@komets.k12. mn.us deadline April 2.

Mn STEM Network Annual Conference, April 15, St. Paul

This conference from SciMathMN is our opportunity to come together as the community of stakeholders of STEM education and workforce development. Together we create the opportunities which inspire passion, build knowledge, and showcase career opportunities about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The conference at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus 9 am – 3:30 features a keynote

by Cindy Moss who led the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools in their successes at closing achievement gaps, breakout sessions on exemplary practices and open space discussions. Register now at https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default. aspx?EventID=1475769

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Opportunities-Department of Education Hands-On Body Systems, St. Paul

Diagrams, Lessons, and Facial Anatomy Kits can provide you with lessons that are creative, informative, thorough, and fun for your students. Since the human body is so complex, these excellent building activities provide learning at its highest level and help students retain information for years. Students can retain these body systems projects and apply skills and pathology. Whether you are a new or experienced instructor, Hands-On Body Systems diagrams and lessons can help you save time and increase success with these activities *May 1-2 Movement and Communication  *Oct. 23 – 24 Feeding and protecting the

Body  Information about the resources at http://www. starlasteachtips.com. For workshop information and information and registration, contact cleopold@minnesotahosa.org. The workshop fee is $200.

FABLab 101: How to Teach (almost) Anything,

Mahtomedi, June 16-27 The course will focus on using engineering and technology tools to spark student learning. Participants will have an opportunity to design software and equipment for 3D printers, laser cutters, silhouette fabricators, Modella Mini-mills, Shop bot, and scanners. The course is taught by MIT FABLab specialist Matt Young in the Mahtomedi FABLab. The fee for the course is $2250.

Contact mary.george@mahtomedi.k12.mn.us for the class outline and more information.

Geology and Water Resources of Southwestern Minnesota, Marshall, June 17-19

The 16th annual Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop is a three day workshop for K-12 Earth science educators and pre-service teachers. It offers short courses and field trips taught by scientists, professors and teachers focusing on the geology, mineral resources and environmental issues of southwestern Minnesota. Participants will receive a variety of resource materials including rock and mineral samples, lesson plan ideas, posters, maps, videos, and other useful information. Registration cost is $40 which includes meals, instruction, and field trip costs.

Information and registration are at http://www.d.umn. edu/prc/MMEW/index.html

Environmental Education Conference – Rooted in Diversity, June 20-22, Sandstone

learn about helpful resources for your classroom, and share your own perspectives on environmental education. Please join us at the Audubon Center of the North Woods. Information is posted at http:// www.minnesotaee.org

Rivers Institutes

Join us this summer, as Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) presents its acclaimed Rivers Institute, a FREE, three day field-based professional development opportunity that inspires, educates, and prepares 3rd- 8th grade teachers to engage students in STEM disciplines through hands-on, inquiry-based investigations at local watersheds. Two institutes will be held this summer—one on the St. Croix River and one on the Mississippi River.

St. Croix River Institute June 23-25, 2014 (Mon.Wed.) Mississippi River Institute July 28-30, 2014 (Mon.-Wed.)

The Rivers Institutes are designed to increase teachers’ science content knowledge and investigation skills, and help area educators translate their professional experiences into meaningful, engaging classroom investigations.

The primary audience for the institutes is elementary and middle school classroom teachers, as well as science specialists and teams of teachers.

However, all educators are welcome to apply. For more information and to apply online, please visit the River Institutehttp://www.hamline.edu/cgee/ riversinstitute/

Research Experience in Materials Science and Engineering, June 30 – Aug 8, U of Minn.

Teachers will be able to work with university researchers to learn about cutting-edge research and develop lessons for their own classroom based on this opportunity. Teachers will have the opportunity to make connections at the university, visit facilities unique to the university (such as the Characterization Facility and its new Titan Transmission Electron Microscope) and attend seminars to discover what is new in materials science. The program provides a substantial stipend and a supply budget for classroom supplies. The application deadline is April 1. http://www.mrsec.umn.edu/ EHR/RETdescription.php

The 2014 Minnesota Association for Environmental Education Conference is a great place to connect with environmental educators across the state,

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MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities-Department of Education WaterWorks!: A Drinking Water Institute for Educators, St. Paul, Aug 4-6

Enrich your water curriculum, investigate drinking water quality and chemistry, tour the St. Paul water plant, and experience water-related resources for the classroom. This three-day, handson workshop allows grade 4-10 teachers of science to gather information, ideas and resources from expert presenters about how safe, reliable drinking water is delivered to your community while learning about drinking water issues facing Minnesota and the nation. Meals and resource binder provided. Choose between two graduate credits or stipend. Applications and information: http://www. hamline.edu/education/environmental/cgee/waterworks/

Summer Institute for Climate Change and Energy Education, Aug 4 – 6, Sandstone

Integrate STEM content into any subjectarea and deepen your ability to teach about energy and climate change with curriculum and experiences from this professional development event.

The cost includes two nights lodging, meals, with curriculum and materials galore. Come for the free giveaways, CEUs and optional grad credit, and stay for the inspiring keynotes, guest scientists and campfire conversations with some of the Midwest’s best educators.

Audubon Center of the North Woods, Cost: $125 Learn more & register online http://www. willstegerfoundation.org/summer-institute

Excellence in Elementary Engineering Education – Save the Date, Call for proposals

The 2014 E4 Conference will be Nov 18th at the University of Minnesota. The theme will be Exploring Engineering in Unexpected Places. Consider giving a presentation on the exemplary engineering and/or STEM practices at your school or organization. Submit proposals by April 25 at https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/RGWWLFT

Teacher and School Awards and Opportunities Presidential Awards

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the nation’s highest award in these fields. Awardees receive local and nation recognition, a reception at the White House and $10,000. This award is often a springboard to state and national leadership in the profession. This year K-6 teachers are eligible. Nominations and applications are now available at the PAEMST website https://www. paemst.org. Nominations are due by April 1 and the application is due May 1.

Summer Engineering Education Courses, St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas Engineering Education is offering the following “E” focused STEM education courses. These courses offer a mix of theory and hands-on learning, as well as an exploration of techniques, tools and resources for teaching concepts. Graduate courses are $1200/course and may be used for the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Education, as well as, the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Course descriptions and the free application are available at http:// www.stthomas.edu/CPCEE/ June 9-12, 20 + online: Engineering in the P-12 Classroom June 23-27, + online: Energy and the Environment July 7-11, + online: Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics

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Opportunities-Department of Education NSTA Awards

The National Science Teachers has numerous award opportunities for teachers and other science educators. Most of them are sponsored by corporations and include awards of cash, materials and attendance at NSTA conferences. NSTA awards page http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx

Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award

These awards from the National Association of Geology Teachers are given for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level.” Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their students is eligible. Ten national finalists are selected, one from each NAGT regional section. Some sections also recognize state winners. Individuals may apply themselves or nominate a colleague for the award.

The deadline is May 15. More information is at the NAGT Awards page, http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/ oest.html#nomination

Student Awards, Competitions and Programs The Glacier Stops Here - Adventures in our Driftless Region, March 21-22, Rochester

Caves...Rocks...Fossils...Rivers...Native plants...Fishing...Hands on casting demonstrations and fly tying are just a few the topics of this educational and community event. The two-day program at the Mayo Civic Center includes guest appearances

by Ron Schara and Raven, seminars, and exhibits ... all for an entry fee for $5 for adults and free for children. Details at http://www.rochestercvb.org/glacier/

Expanding your Horizons, STEM Event for Middle School Girls, Inver Hills Community College, April 5

Can girls be biologists, engineers and health care professionals? Yes. And the planning starts now!

Explore a touch of science and a fraction of mathematics. Experience college science labs, explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers and meet and interact with positive women role models who are active in math and science related careers. Parents and teachers are encouraged to register to attend concurrent workshops on college planning and STEM careers. $15 fee includes T-shirt and lunch. Registration code YEYHD-S1.

More information from cathy.kindem@district196. org, 651-423-7911. http://www.getstem-mn.

com/Ask/View?Id=1a04ba85-2b03-4e40-82e7681a5318b9c1

Go Boldly Expo, Saturday April 26, St. Paul

AirSpace Minnesota is bringing Buzz Aldrin (first moon landing) and Harrison “Jack” Schmitt (last Moon landing) to Minnesota to celebrate our innovation legacy and encourage a new generation to dream big, work hard and go boldly.

Designed for students, educators and families, this free public event at the St. Paul downtown airport will help students imagine a future where they have the literacy and skills to achieve their dreams. Details are at Air Space Minnesota. http:// airspacemn.org/go-boldly-expo-navigate-your-worldbeyond/

Engage youth in climate change solutions through video

Make a video for Youth Voices of Change!

Youth in grades 4-12 are invited to submit a video (maximum 2 minutes long) that shares solution projects or helps raise awareness about climate change issues for a chance to win great prizes, including: money for their project, new video equipment, and gift certificates to local businesses. Ten lucky finalists and their videos will be featured on the big screen at the Youth Voices Film Festival in the evening of August 22, 2014 on the Sustainability Stage at the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair. Read more about how to get involved online. Entry deadline is May 16. http://classroom.willstegerfoundation.org/ about/youth-voices

Materials Camp for HS Students, June 17-20, Univ. of Minn.

Wanted: Students entering their junior or senior year who are inquisitive learners with strong math and science aptitude. Participate in a FREE four day summer camp utilizing hands-on learning of materials engineering. You will learn through field trips, demonstrations and extensive lab activities.

More Information http://www.mnasm.org/camp/. Application due by March 31.

MDE Contacts:

John Olson, Science Content Specialist, john.c.olson@state.mn.us Dawn Cameron, Science Assessment Specialist, dawn.cameron@state.mn.us Jim Wood, Science Assessment Specialist, jim. wood@state.mn.us Doug Paulson, STEM Integration Specialist, doug. paulson@state.mn.us

10 MnSTA Newsletter

Teacher of the Year Awards

Lab Safety her instruction, including a neurobiology program and a partnership with the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. She is particularly proud of a grape growing project that grew out the expertise and interest of a school board member. Corina will use her award funds to purchase equipment and supplies to enhance her bottle biology ecosystem unit and her “Grape-ology” project.

Watch for information about the 2015 award and prepare to submit your entry.

Cara Riekenberg recieved the Teacher of the Year award for elementary teachers. She is shown her with her 3rd grade students at the School of Engineering and Arts in Golden Valley

The Medtronic Foundation Science Teaching

Award is presented by the Minnesota Science Teachers Assn. each year to teachers at two levels: elementary and secondary. A grant from Medtronic provides a fund of $1000 to each awardee for a project that benefits their students. Recipients of the award are expected to share the results of their project with other teachers. To demonstrate their qualifications for the award, the applicants must provide a description of their teaching practice, a listing of their teaching experiences and professional activities, and a proposal for use of the funds. The judges for the award are members of the MnSTA board of directors.

The 2014 award for an elementary teacher goes to Cara Riekenberg of the School of Engineering and Arts in Golden Valley. Ms. Riekenberg is the program coordinator of their STEM and Arts emphasis. On a typical day you will find her co-teaching with other teachers, leading student activities and helping teachers plan integrated instruction. She previously was the Environmental Education coordinator for the Prior Lake-Savage School District. Cara is well known as the energetic leader of the summer Rivers Institutes from Hamline University and several other professional development workshops.

With her award funds, she will purchase classroom equipment for student inquiry activities including replica skulls of wildlife, incubators for chicken eggs, and a birdsong identifier.

The 2014 award for a secondary teacher goes to Corina Sarsland of Rockford Middle School Center for Environmental Studies. Ms. Sarsland teaches 7th grade life science in Rockford and previously taught earth science at Heritage Middle School in West St. Paul. She has worked with several professional development programs that have impacted

Lab Incident at a Manhattan High School: Another Hard Safety Lesson to Learn

By Kenneth Roy | Published: January 6, 2014

On January 2, 2014, a chemistry lab safety incident involving a fire injured students at Beacon High School in Manhattan (NYC). An article in The New York Times reported that two students were burned as a result of a fireball of methanol vapor created by a flame test demonstration, typically called the Rainbow. The students were sent to the hospital for medical care. This terrible accident adds to the list of safety incidents resulting from the same demonstration over the past few years.

It is absolutely tragic when students and/ or school staff are injured as the result of a serious safety incident. Survivors live their lives with vivid memories and emotional and/or physical scars. In response to these accidents, there have been calls to cease hands-on science activities. This is a knee-jerk response and myopic vision. Think about it! Do we stop using cars on the highways because of automobile accidents? Do we stop flying in the sky because there have been airplane accidents? Obviously the answer to these questions is “no!” What we do is to try and make science labs SAFER; we need to help reduce or prevent future accidents by improving technology, altering human behavior, increasing safety training, and more.

Looking back at the recent lab incident and other laboratory accidents that have occurred in our schools, what is the lesson to be learned? How can we make it SAFER and how can we help reduce or prevent future accidents? Here are a few thoughts to consider and help us move in a SAFER direction while continuing the doing of science—the best way students learn it: 1.

Legal Safety Standards: There are legal safety standards which employers (boards of education) are required to follow. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

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Lab Safety requires schools under its jurisdiction with laboratories to provide ongoing employee training, appropriate engineering controls, updated administrative procedures, effective personal protective equipment, progressive discipline policies, and more under programs such as the Hazard Communications Program (29CFR 1910.1200) and the Laboratory Standard (29CFR 1910.1450). The purpose of these programs/standards is to create and maintain a safer working environment for employees, including science teachers. There are National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire safety standards which are adopted by state legislatures and applied to school employers relative to laboratory occupancy loads, fire suppression equipment, hazardous chemical storage, inspections, and so forth. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to address these safety standards, especially in areas like science laboratories that deal with chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

2.

Professional Best Safety Practices: Professions like education have safety standards that help guide science teachers to contribute to a safer working environment for themselves and their students.

For example, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) provides a safety portal with resources, journals with monthly safety columns that deal with current safety issues (The Science Teacher’s “Safer Science” and Science Scope’s “Scope on Safety”), safety seminars at regional and national conferences, safety webinars, books on laboratory safety, and much more.

3.

Training: Safety is a constantly changing landscape of which professionals like science teachers need to be aware. Unfortunately, much more needs to be done at the tertiary teacher preparatory level in this area. Few colleges and universities address pre-service safety training to the level needed. Employers also need to do more to provide ongoing safety training— especially for science laboratory employees. Training should extend beyond school employees. Students must have safety training before they pick up a test tube or light a burner in the lab. They also need to sign a safety acknowledgement form recognizing that the lab can be a dangerous place. In order to make it safer, safety protocols must be practiced and followed.

4.

Resources: The Internet can be a life changer, if not a life saver! There are a large number of safety resources online for science teachers. As part of their professional responsibilities, science teachers need to prepare properly prior to doing laboratory experiments and demonstrations. There are government safety web-

sites, NSTA blogs, listservs, and much more available.

But, teachers should be given time to review them.

Schools must provide professional development time and training to make use of these resources.

5.

Supervision: According to OSHA and school district evaluation programs, employees require supervision. Safety needs to be a critical piece which is addressed on a regular basis. There must also be enforcement of all safety standards to reduce the frequency of incidents and make it a safer place to work and learn.

6.

Equipment: Along with training there are legal safety standards and professional best practices that require access, appropriate use, and inspection and repair/replacement of safety equipment specific to laboratories (e.g. chemical splash goggles, gloves, aprons, etc.) Also required are appropriate ventilation systems, fume hoods, fire extinguishers, etc.

7.

Inspections: Science labs should be inspected on a regular basis to help the science teacher make sure all things are operating and functioning safetywise. Chemical hygiene officers, school district safety compliance officers, insurance carrier inspectors, the local fire marshal, commercial safety compliance inspectors, and OSHA compliance officers—these are just a few examples of people who are committed to safety and who can help science teachers make sure their labs are up to or surpass safety standards.

8.

Professional Preparation/Certification: Few states now require specific professional/academic preparation standards for each area of science. The bar has been lowered and we all are paying for it. Often “science” certified teachers are assigned classes in areas they have had little to no academic preparation in or experience in teaching. Legislators need to re-examine this whole issue and get back on track. Unlike other areas such as English and mathematics, we need to require specialized certificates in each of the many science education areas—physics, chemistry, biology, etc.

Re-occurring safety incidents and serious injuries are a symptom that the system is not functioning properly. Will all of these suggestions prevent safety accidents or incidents from occurring? Maybe not, but they would dramatically reduce their frequency and make for a much safer science lab experience for our children and our science teachers.

Dr. Ken Roy Chief Science Safety Compliance Consultant/ Author/Columnist, National Science Teachers Association

12 MnSTA

Newsletter

Opportunities

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MnSTA Board Directory

MnSTA Phone# (651)-523-2945

Below, you will find information about your MnSTA Board Members. The listing includes the board member’s school (or organization), mailing address, work phone, FAX number, and e-mail address. The board wishes to make itself as accessible as possible for our members. Please feel free to contact your discipline representative, regional representative, or executive board members if you have ideas, concerns, or wish to help with the mission or operation of MnSTA. We are always looking for members who wish to serve MnSTA as Board Members, Non-Board Service Chairs or Members, and as Committee Chairs or Members.

Executive Board: Exec. Secretary

Ed Hessler

Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave. MS-A1760,

W: 651-523-2945

F: 651-523-3041

e: ehessler01@hamline.edu

President

Steve Walvig

The Bakken

3537 Zenith Ave. S

W-612-926-3837X202

President Elect

Lee Schmitt

F: 612-927-7265

St. Paul, MN 55104 Minneapolis, MN 55416

e:walvig@thebakken.org

Hamline University

1536 Hewitt Ave. MS-A1760,

St. Paul, MN 55104

651-523-2562 lschmitt@hamline.edu Treasurer

Joe Reymann

Retired

e: joereymann@comcast.net

DOE Science Specialist

John Olson

Dept.of Education

john.c.olson@state.mn.us 651-582-8673

Discipline Directors: Biology

Nancy Orr-Johnson

Humboldt Secondary 30 E. Baker St.

St. Paul, MN 55107

W:763-242-4649 nancy.orr@spps.org Chemistry

Carolyn Fruin

Eastview High School

612-801-0384 cfruin65@gmail.com

Earth Science

Kate Rosok

612-280-245 kate.rosok@mpls.k12.mn.us

Minneapolis Public Schools

Elementary/Greater MN Nicole Christofferson-Weston Menahga Public Schools

216 Aspen Ave;

Menahga, MN 56464

218-564-4141X477 e:nchristofferson@menahga.k12.mn.us Elementary/Metro

Polly Saatzer Garlough Environmental Magnet 1740 Charlton St. W:651-552-0094 paulette.saatzer@isd197.org

Higher Ed

Michele Koomen

W507-933-6057 F507-933-6020 mkoomen@gac.edu

Informal Ed

Larry Thomas

West St. Paul, MN 55118

Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave. SMM

St. Peter, MN 56082

120 W. Kellogg Blvd

St. Paul, MN 55102

W: 651-221-4507

e: lthomas@smm.org

Newsletter

Jerry Wenzel

Retired

e: jerrywenzel@brainerd.net

Physics

Paul Lulai

St. Anthony Village High School 3303 33rd Ave

St. Anthony, MN 55418

W:612-964-5374 plulai@stanthony.12.mn.us Private Schools

Carolyn Ocampo

612-300-4321 cpfocampo@gmail.com

Webmaster

Eric Koser 507-387-3461 x 322

Mankato West H.S. F: 507-345-1502

1351 S. Riverfront Dr. e: ekoser@chartermi.net

Mankato, MN 56001 W:

Region Representatives: Region 1&2: North

Laurie Arnason

South Point Elementary 1900 13th St. SE

East Grand Forks, MN 56721

W:218-773-1149 larnason@egf.k12.mn.us Region 1&2: North

Michael Urban

Bemidji State University

1500 Birchmont Dr.

Bemidji, MN 56601

218-775-3782 murban@bemidjistate.edu Region 3: Northeast

Elizabeth Kersting-Peterson Piedomont Elementary 2827 Chambersburg Ave.

W:218-336-8950 X 2759

F:218-336-8954

Duluth, MN 55811

supersciencefriday@gmail.com

14

MnSTA Newsletter

Region 4: Westcentral Vacant Region 5: Northcentral Marie Zettel

Aitkin High School

306 2nd St. SW

W 218-927-2115 X 3313

Region 6: Southcentral Philip Sinner

e:mariezettel@yahoo.com Renville County West

301 NE 3rd St. PO Box 338

W320-329-8368 F320-329-8191 psinner@rcw.k12.mn.us

Region 7: Eastcentral

Kari Dombrovski

Talahi Community School 1321 University Dr. SE

W:320-251-7551X5127

F:320-529-4339

Region 8: Southcentral Philip Sinner

Aitkin, MN 56431 Renville, MN 56284 St. Cloud, MN 56304

kari.dombrovski@isd742.org

Renville County West

301 NE 3rd St. PO Box 338

Renville, MN 56284

W320-329-8368 F320-329-8191 psinner@rcw.k12.mn.us

Region 9: South

Dana Smith W:507-232-3461X4114

Nicolette Public School 1 Pine St. e: dana.smith@isd507.k12.mn.us

Nicollet, MN 56047

Region 10: Southeast

Sharie Furst

Kasson-Mantorville Elemementary 604 16th St. NE

Kasson, MN 55944

507-319-4781 s.furst@komets.k12.mn.us

Region 11: Metro

Betsey Stretch

612-240-9120 elizabeth.stretch@mpls.k12.mn.us

Minneapolis Public Schools

1250 Broadway

Minneapolis, MN 55411

Ancillary Positions: Database

Mark Lex 55416

Benilde-St. Margaret’s 2501 Hwy 100 S W: 952-927-4176 F: 952-920-8889

Historian/Parlimentarian Fred Riehm

Retired ‘91

NSTA Dist. IX Director

Horizon MS

Mary Colson

St. Louis Park, MN e: marklex@umn.edu

frriehm@centurylink.net 3601 12th Ave. So.

Moorhead, MN 56560

W: 218-284-7300 mcolson@moorhead.k12.mn.us Conference Coordinator Jean Tushie

Eden Prairie High School

F 952-975-8020

W 952-975-4347

17185 Valley View Rd Eden Prairie, N 55346

e jtushie@edenpr.org

jtushie@comcast.net

Events Calendar If you have events you want placed on the calendar, send them to the editor - see page 2 for deadlines, address, etc.

Conferences / Workshops MnCOSE Minnesota Conference on Science Education Feb. 20-21, 2015 Verizon Center in Mankato

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Minnesota Science Teachers Association, Inc. Hamline University MS MS-A1760 1536 Hewitt Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104

Non-Porfit Org U.S. Postage PAID

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4197

MnSTA Regions

MnSTA Membership Application Form

Join the Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA), the professional organization whose primary goal is the advancement of science education. Mail this form along with your check to: MnSTA, Hamline University MS - A1760, 1536 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104

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Rates (Check one): q Basic Membership ...................... $25 q First Year Teacher ...................... $15 q Retired Teacher .......................... $15 q Pre-service Student .................... $10 q Life Membership: to age 35 ..... $400 age 36-50 ... $300 over 50 ........ $200

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Indicate the grade level you work with: level: q Elementary (K-6) q College/University q Middle/Jr. High School (6-9) q Informal Ed q High School (9-12) Choose up to three discipline mailing lists: q Elementary q Earth Science q Life Science q Physical Science

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